More than 20 threatened species, including koalas, long-nosed potoroos and owls, will benefit from the acquisition of 2000 hectares of bush for the NSW national parks estate.
The acquisitions are spread across three locations, one at Monaro, one near Yamba, and the third north of Taree, and are part of a program targeting the most important areas in the state for koala conservation.
"Securing koala habitat in national parks is part of our strategy to double the koala population by 2050," Environment Minister James Griffin said.
"As well as koalas, these national park additions will protect an incredible diversity of threatened species."
In the state's south, the government has purchased 1052 hectares adjoining Macanally State Conservation Area.
Featuring long unburnt woodlands, it forms part of a corridor linking the tablelands with the coastal forests.
In the state's north, 752 hectares have been bought adjoining Bundjalung National Park near Yamba, a habitat for brush-tailed phascogales, yellow-bellied gliders and owls.
The third property is 200 hectares adjoining Killabakh Nature Reserve, in the ranges north of Taree, which includes 130 hectares of wet sclerophyll forest with tallowwood, flooded gums and Sydney blue gums, all important food trees for koalas.
Australian Associated Press
